Introduction

The H440 gets the custom gaming treatment from Razer.

In the last few years NZXT has emerged as a popular choice for computer builds with stylish cases for a variety of needs. The newest member of the H series, the H440, promises quiet performance and offers a clean look by eliminating optical drive bays entirely from the design. While this might be a deal-breaker for some, the days of the ODD seem to be numbered as more enclosures are making the move away from the 5.25" bay.

Image credit: NZXT

But we aren't looking at just any H440 today, as NZXT has sent along a completely custom version designed in alliance with gaming accessory maker Razer to be "the ultimate gamer's chassis". (This case is currently available direct from NZXT's online store.) In this review we'll look at just what makes this H440 different, and test out a complete build while we're at it. Performance will be as big a metric as appearance here since the H440 is after all an enclosure designed for silence, with noise dampening an integral part of NZXT's construction of the case.

Green with Envy?

From the outset you'll notice the Razer branding extends beyond just special paint and trim, as custom lighting is installed right out of the box to give this incarnation of the H440 a little more gaming personality (though this lighting can be switched off, if desired). Not only do the front and side logos and power button light up green, but the bottom of the case features effects lighting to cast an eerie green glow on your desktop or floor.

Image credit: NZXT

Before taking our first look at the enclosure, first we'll check out the full specs from NZXT.


Specifications:

Material:  SECC Steel, ABS Plastic

Motherboard Support:  Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX

Expansion Slots:  7
 
Drive Bays:  

  • External 5.25": 0
  • Internal 3.5"/2.5": 6+2

Cooling System        

  • Front: 2x 140/3x120mm (3 x 120mm FN V2 Fans Included) 
  • Top: 2x 140/3x120mm 
  • Rear: 1x 140/120mm (1 x 140mm FN V2 Fan Included)

Filters:  Front (Included); Bottom Rear(Included)

Radiator Support:    

  • Front 2 x 140 or 3 x 120mm 
  • Top 2 x 140 or 3 x 120mm 
  • Rear 1 x 140/120mm

Clearance:        

  • GPU Clearance With HDD Cage: 294mm; 
  • GPU Clearance Without HDD Cage: 406.2mm 
  • CPU Cooler 180mm 

External I/O:  USB 3.0 x2; USB 2.0 x2; 1 x Audio/Mic

Dimensions:  220mm x 510mm x 475.3mm  (8.66" x 20.08" x 18.71")

Product Weight:  9.75 kg (21.5 lbs)


Packaging and First Impressions

The Razer edition of the H440 arrives in a very shiny box with nice graphics to showcase the special edition.

Packaging includes the standard dense styrofoam to keep the enclosure safe from the perils of ground shipping.

An instruction manual (with stickers!) is included, along with the standard hardware package. Inside the box each type of screws are in a separate bag, a nice touch that I wish every enclosure offered.

The front of the enclosure gives us a look at the trademark combination of matte black and bright green from the Razer design.

This panel does not open, and there are no optical drive bays in this enclosure either.

Up top we have a better look at the interesting sort of interlocking design of the H440, with the upper panel mirroring the top of the lower panel. The I/O layout is very clean, and we see the added touch of green USB 3.0 ports.

The side view shows the large window, which is tinted a smoke color. The row of vents accross the top above the door panel (and around the back) serve as the only air intake/exhaust for the upper fan mounts inside.

Around back it's pretty much the standard ATX enclosure, though there is a switch above the motherboard shield cutout to control lighting.

Next we'll take a look inside the enclosure.

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